Chinese New Year
YEAR OF THE DOG!!!!
Recent years of the Dog are: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The Dog is the eleventh of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. Monkey, Rooster, and Dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, Dog became eleventh. If you were born in the year of The Dog, you are honest and loyal. Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner. The Dog is also associated with the Earthly Branch and the hours 7–9 in the evening. Regarding yin and yang, the Dog is yang.
The source of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. The Chinese New Year is separated into three events:
LITTLE YEAR - A time for preparation for the New Year. Little Year begins February 8th, 2018 and ends New Year’s Eve February 16th.
SPRING FESTIVAL - Is the official beginning of the Chinese New Year ending February 26th.
LANTERN FESTIVAL - Preparations begin the day after the Spring Festival for the Lantern Festival which is usually held March 2nd.
Cultural Significance of the Lantern Festival
Began over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society. It features ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the “true” Chinese Valentine’s Day.
But on the 15th, everyone—regardless of age or gender—go out onto the streets to celebrate. Though the Lantern Festival symbolizes reunions, it’s also a time of socializing and freedom.
On a more serious side, the Lantern Festival also has religious aspects. It was important in ancient Chinese paganism, and also modern-day Buddhism and ethnic minority cultures.
Here are some locations here in Houston where you can celebrate the Chinese New Year:
Chinese Community Center
Saturday, February 17, 2018 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free Admission | Free Parking
Chinese Community Center | 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, Texas 77036
Viet Hoa Center
Saturday, February 24-25, 2018 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Admission
Viet Hoa Center | 8388 W. Sam Houston Parkway South, Houston, Texas 77072
Texas Lunar Festival
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free Admission
Southern News Group | 11122 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072
Since it is the year of one of our favorite pets, THE DOG, we can’t think of a better time to celebrate our furry friends! Along with giving them tons of attention and treats they so rightfully deserve for their special year, why not paint them as well? At Pinot’s Palette, you can paint a portrait of your adorable Dog Of The Year in our Project Pet class! With your Pet Portrait hanging in your home it can always be the year of the DOG!
Cheers!